§ Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many cases have come to her Department's notice in the last year of persons drawing unemployment benefit who were, in fact, in full-time employment; in what industries these persons were working; and what general action has been taken.
§ Mr. Dell:During 1969, 2,392 cases of persons working and signing for unemployment benefit were considered for prosecution. No analysis is made of the occupations of the offenders, nor whether the work was full-time or part-time. Each employment exchange has an officer responsible for inquiry into cases of suspected fraud. In addition, there are special investigators in the Department of Employment and Productivity who deal with the more complex or protracted investigations involving special inquiry or observation. These officers co-operate with the inspectors appointed under the National Insurance Acts and with the special investigators for supplementary benefit. Any leads which suggest a possibility of fraud are investigated, and criminal proceedings are taken where satisfactory proof is obtained.